Audit Bureau of Circulations Announces Recent Promotions, Retirements

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Arlington Heights, Ill.--The Audit Bureau of Circulations has appointed Neal Lulofs to the position of executive vice president, communications and strategic planning, and general manager of ABCi, the organization’s digital unit.  

In his new role, Lulofs will help guide the organization through a period of adaptation and innovation, as growing use of digital media and new technologies spur greater interest in independent verification. With use of multimedia reporting up 55 percent in the last year, Lulofs is tasked with marrying ABC’s print audit services and ABCi’s digital offerings into a cohesive strategy. One of his first duties is hiring a new vice president to oversee ABCi’s day-to-day operations and handle business development opportunities.  

Lulofs joined ABC in 2005 as vice president of communications. He was promoted to senior vice president, communications and strategic planning in 2007. Prior to that, Lulofs held senior management positions at several Fortune 500 companies including MCI.

In addition, ABC has also promoted Ken Shultz to senior vice president of audit services and Janice Unrath to vice president of audit services.

In his expanded role, Shultz will oversee a portion of the audit management team, ensuring ABC audits are conducted with the highest level of integrity and in accordance with the organization’s bylaws and rules. Shultz also serves as the staff liaison for the Business Publication Industry Committee. He joined ABC in 1986 as a field auditor, working his way through the ranks before accepting the position of vice president in 2000.

Unrath will also supervise ABC’s audit management staff and enforce quality control measures. In addition, she works closely with ABC Canada to ensure audit practices and reporting standards are reflective of the needs and trends facing the market. Unrath joined ABC as a field auditor in 1989 and held various positions at ABC before being promoted to director of audit services in 2005.

ABC also announced effective Dec. 1, Mike Moran, executive vice president of audit services, will retire after more than 30 years with the company. Taking the reigns is Scott Hanson. In his new position, Hanson is responsible for the organization’s expansive audit services, including print circulation, insert verification, readership studies and ABC’s member-facing publisher relations team. He will continue serving as senior vice president, electronic and centralized auditing, until Dec. 1, and as staff liaison to the NAA/ABC newspaper committees. Hanson originally joined ABC in 1985 and became the director of field auditing in 1998. During his ABC tenure, he also held the position of vice president, Internet, and new media auditing.

Finally, ABC’s long-time vice president of human resources, Laura Ferraris, will retire on Dec. 1.